Napoli’s latest deal may ensure Spurs favourite stays put

Napoli's signing of Jonathan de Guzman may spell the end of their interest in Tottenham's midfield general Sandro - and it doesn't look like it is the first time alleged interest in a Spurs player has been abandoned for a different option.

It appears as if a lot of the actions of other clubs are keeping big name players at White Hart Lane.

While Hugo Lloris was linked with a move to PSG or Monaco, Chelsea dropped Petr Cech, with the two French sides now likely to fight it out for the Blues stopper. Likewise, Barcelona's interest in Jan Vertonghen cooled and they ended up plumping for another Belgian from North London, while their transfer ban is set to rule out any further interest in the Spurs star.

And after both Zenit Saint Petersburg and Napoli were credited with an interest in Sandro, both have since gone on to to sign central midfielders Javi Garcia and Jonathan de Guzman respectively.

It could be that these three players are all important to Mauricio Pochettino's plans, and that is certainly the case for Lloris and Vertonghen, but Sandro is yet to make an impression under the Argentine, and didn't make the bench for Saturday's win over West Ham.

It is equally possible that Daniel Levy's willingness to make a healthy profit on transfers whenever he can may have impeded the possibility of the former Internacional midfielder departing Tottenham.

Either way, plenty of fans will be more than happy at the dwindling odds of losing a player as popular, and as undoubtedly talented as the 25-year-old.

Spectacular goals against Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as a personality that is tough, protective of his teammates, and entertaining through the various social media channels he engages with, mean the Brazilian remains a favourite of the Spurs faithful, despite experiencing injury problems in recent years.

If Sandro finds his form again there are few that would argue he is the strongest defensive midfielder in the squad.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)